Many Christian denominations make Jesus Christ the primary focus of their worship and teachings instead of God the Father. Some almost seem to focus on Christ to the exclusion of the Father. What is the truth regarding this matter?
There were many times during Jesus' life, ministry and beyond where he was worshipped. Some of the Biblical examples of such behavior include the following.
Christ was first paid homage by the Magi at his birth (Matthew 2:2, 11) who knew he was a King. He was worshipped by a synagogue ruler whose daughter had died and who wanted Christ to make her alive again (Matthew 9:18). The disciples also revered Jesus after he stilled a stormy sea (Matthew 14:33) and when he ascended into heaven (Luke 24:52).
Unclean (evil) spirits who possessed humans, when they saw Christ, bowed down before him (Mark 3:11, 5:6, Luke 4:41). A man born blind, healed by Christ at the Pool of Siloam, reverenced him (John 9:38). Lastly, the twenty-four spiritual elders, who reside at the very throne of God, fall down to their knees and worship Jesus (represented as a Lamb) when he comes before them (Revelation 5:8, see also 7:10).
During his ministry, although Jesus did not invite or encourage people to worship him, He nevertheless did not rebuke them either when they did. Clearly, he is worthy of such honor, but should it be equal to that the Father rightfully deserves?
The Bible clearly states God the Father is greater than Christ (John 14:28, 1Corinthians 15:28) and that Christ received authority from him (Matthew 28:18) and could do nothing without him (John 5:19).
The scriptures indicate we ought to have great reverence and gratitude toward Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He is the Son of God the Father and He is God. Our worship, however, should be predominantly directed toward the Father.
We are instructed to pray and offer our requests and gratefulness in the name of the Lord, not to Jesus himself but to the Father (Colossians 3:17, John 15:16, 16:23, Ephesians 5:20, etc.). Our worship should be directed primarily to God the Father but not to the exclusion of Christ.